The Winnipeg Jets signed goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.75 million on July 1, 2026.
General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff made the move as he navigates the uncertain future of star netminder Connor Hellebuyck.
Skinner joins Winnipeg after posting a 23-17-9 record, a 2.92 goals-against average, and an .
888 save percentage in 50 appearances split between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers last season.
Cheveldayoff addressed the team's goaltending strategy, stating that the front office secured its top targets without sacrificing existing assets during the opening of free agency.
"We're excited about the opportunity to add him to the organization and that's what we're really focused on," Cheveldayoff said.
The general manager clarified that signing Skinner was not a direct reaction to any finalized trade involving Hellebuyck.
"I don't think there was any Plan A, Plan B, or Plan C with respect to what's next," Cheveldayoff said.
The Jets aimed to maximize roster flexibility and speed during the signing period, securing multiple players on the first day of free agency.
"On July 1 you have a unique opportunity to add to your organization without having to give up anything," Cheveldayoff said.
"Generally speaking, it's a tough day when you try to go after your No. 1 target, but we were able to land both our No. 1 targets in each position."
Hellebuyck's Status Remains Unchanged
Hellebuyck, who won his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy in the 2024-25 season, remains on the Winnipeg roster despite ongoing trade discussions.
"Connor Hellebuyck is a Winnipeg Jet and there's no update at this point and time," Cheveldayoff said.
Winnipeg aims to rebound from a 35-35-12 finish last season, which placed the club seventh in the Central Division and marked its first playoff miss since the 2021-22 campaign.
"The plan is still to win," Cheveldayoff said.
The Jets also signed defenseman Mario Ferraro to a three-year, $12 million contract, along with forward Noah Gregor and defenseman Henry Thrun.
Cheveldayoff emphasized that the acquisitions were designed to inject speed and distinct physical attributes into the lineup before training camp in September.
"We were looking to make changes, we were looking to get faster," he said.
The front office expects the new skaters to improve puck-moving capabilities and bring diverse skills to both forward lines and defensive pairings.
"I think all the signings we made on the skater side of it all can skate, whether it's D, they can move the puck.
Everyone's got some different tangible thing," Cheveldayoff said.
Skinner Excited to Join Jets
Skinner expressed excitement about joining Winnipeg and working alongside Hellebuyck, whom he regards as one of the premier goaltenders in the sport.
"As of right now, me and Helle are teammates," Skinner said. "Which is so exciting.
I mean, he's the best goalie in the world."
The 27-year-old goalie focused on personal development and adaptation to the Winnipeg fan base and coaching staff rather than speculating on his role in a potential goaltending tandem.
"What I've learned from experience is you get what you earn," Skinner said.
Skinner enters the organization with a career . 902 save percentage and experience reaching consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with Edmonton in 2024 and 2025.
"I haven't really been thinking too much about expectations.
I just have more expectations about myself and my game and how I would like to show up," he said.
Ferraro, who registered 23 points in 82 games with the San Jose Sharks last season, shared his perspective on choosing Winnipeg.
"I trust this organization, they've had a good reputation over many years," Ferraro said.
The defenseman noted that familiarity with existing Jets players through international competitions factored into his decision.
"I know the players that are on this team, I played with a couple of them at World Championship.
It was just an exciting place to have the opportunity to come to," Ferraro said.
Hellebuyck previously expressed concern during his April exit interview about the organization's ability to recruit top-tier talent and build a championship-caliber roster in Winnipeg.
"Can you get the pieces that you need? Will the players come?
These are always questions that you have in Winnipeg," Hellebuyck said.
The Jets retain $11.5 million in salary cap space to address remaining roster needs, including a restricted free agent contract for forward Cole Perfetti.
